In an earlier tip, we talked about the new law, that's gone into effect here in California, to limit our use of cell phones while driving to hands-free arrangements and keep us safer. As I mentioned, all of our new Lexus models have Bluetooth technology available so you can pair your phone to the car, and use the car's speaker and microphone for your conversation, keeping your hands on the wheel. But, what about those who are keeping cars without the Bluetooth technology installed?
Fortunately, our Parts Department here a Lexus of Serramonte has found a very easy and reasonably priced Bluetooth solution. They have a device that can clip on your overhead visor, requiring no installation. It is portable, can be moved from car to car, or even used as a speaker phone in your home or office.
If you'd like to learn more, you're welcome to call our Parts Department at 650-985-2172. Or just come by the Parts Department in their new temporary location at 445 Serramonte Boulevard. They open Monday through Friday at 7 am, and Saturdays at 8.
Of course, if you would like a new car with the Bluetooth technology installed, you're welcome to call me directly!
Best wishes for safe driving!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Nicks Car Tips # 18 - Hands Free in my car
Nick''s Car Tips # 17 - "May I see your license and ..."
Hopefully this doesn't happen to you anytime soon. But, everyday, tens of thousands of motorists are pulled over by the police or highway patrol. And what are the first words the officer usually says? "May I see your license, registration, and insurance, please?"
Ever since the law went into effect here in California, we all must carry our vehicle insurance information in the car. You can see more about this on the DMV's site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr18.htm. There are some significant consequences to not having it with you, including:
Best wishes for safe driving!
The reason I'm mentioning this, is that, hardly a week goes by here at Lexus of Serramonte when, someone will be buying a car, and does not have their insurance information with them. In fact, it happens almost daily. Of course, when we sell cars, we are required by the government to get a copy of your insurance before we're allowed to release the new car to you.
Often, our guests have to call their insurance companies or agents, or get online, and make sure that we can get that copy before they drive home in the new car. (I've spent many "happy" hours waiting by the fax machine, just so we can let the nice people drive home.)
All of this suggests, by extension, that there are thousands of people on the road who do not have their insurance information with them. Are you one of them?
If you are not sure where your insurance information is, why not call your insurance company now and have them send you a copy? Make extra copies to keep in each of your vehicles, as well as your wallet, and your files at home. This way you'll have one more thing done, and the ease of knowing that it's going to be there when you need it. And if you happen to be interested in another car, we can have you driving home in it that much more quickly without waiting by the fax.
Nicks Car Tips # 16 - Most value at the pump
Here are a few additional ways to get the most from your dollars at the gas pump. (Thanks to Shayle for passing these along!)
Try to buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.
A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, the trucks are temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # 15 - Happy Safe Halloween
(This was originally sent last October)
Happy Halloween!
In the next few days, the sidewalks and streets will be taken over by all sorts of scary monsters, witches, ninjas, and ghosts. Halloween will be here, and it's important to remember a few basic things about driving safely around the Trick-or-Treaters, and keeping your children safe when they are out.
* If you have children who will be trick or treating, try to avoid dark colored costumes, and look for opportunities for them to wear or carry flashlights, glowsticks and reflective materials. That really cool Ninja costume, that will keep imaginary enemies from detecting their presence, will also make it hard for drivers to see your little martial artist. Also be aware if a costume limits your child's vision.
* Some communities have safe Halloween trick or treat activities, with blocked off streets. Check with your local chamber of commerce or Parents clubs for times and locations
Here are a few nearby events:
http://www.sanfranciscokids.net/san_francisco_halloween/halloween_events.htm
http://www.sfzoo.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=309095
http://www.dalycity-colmachamber.org/events.htm
http://sanbrunomothersclub.com/activities.html
http://www.smalltown.com/burlingame/card/212034
http://www.badm.org/membership_support/events/goblin_jamboree_2007/
* While you're driving, never make any assumptions about what the children will be doing. Even in those situations when they are supposed to yield, it's an exciting night, filled with distractions. Children may forget the safety rules that you've been teaching them. Be ready to stop at moment's notice.
* Speaking of distractions, minimize yours while you're behind the wheel. While it's always a good idea not to talk on the phone, or eat while you're driving, this night especially, it will be important to set those things aside and focus on the next little one darting out in front of your vehicle.
* If you're staying with a vehicle while the children are going down the street, put your running lights or flashers on to make your vehicle more visible.
Take it slow, and take your time, and it can be a safe and happy Halloween for everyone.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # 14 - Cool Stuff For Lexus Owners
The Lexus Magazine has articles about our cars, as you'd expect. But there wonderful articles about travel, food, art and music, and much more. There are short works of fiction and mysteries, features about environmental architecture, music samples that you can hear, videos and slideshows, and wonderful photography through it all. In the current issue, you can learn more about the new LS600h hybrid sedan, Surround Sound Audio with the Mark Levinson systems, and a fun road adventure of two New Yorkers driving through California from "Los Angeles to Napa, seeking to peruse the edible prehistory of our favorite local burger joint." It even includes a History of the Hamburger.
And at the owner's website, you can also find special programs just for Lexus owners, including benefits for traveling, your finances, online documentation and service information for your car, and even online driving tours from Michelin. (My wife and I are looking forward to trying the one to Big Sur soon!)
If you're a Lexus owner now, registering is easy. You're welcome to call me if you'd like help. If you don't have a Lexus yet, you can still see the online magazine for free. And you're still welcome call on me anytime I can be of help.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # Lucky 13 - The Sweet Spot
If everything else is equal, the cost of gas, no stop lights, traffic, etc. then for most cars of all sizes, the best gas mileage and lowest cost to operate will be in the range of 40 to 60 miles per hour. Is there an exact speed for your car? Yes, but given real world conditions, does it really matter? Not really.
If you have a trip to make, and a choice of a freeway with no stops at more than 60 mph, or an expressway with timed lights at 45 mph, you'll probably save money by going on the expressway. But how many situations will you really have like that? Most of the time we're not on the freeway, there will be stop signs and lights. If you want to save money, generally, you'll do well to get on the freeway, and drive as close to 60 as possible. (If you're feeling unpopular driving below the limit, you can still take your discomfort to the bank.)
If you have a chance to drive without stop lights or with timed lights and a limited number of stops, drive in the 40 to 50 range, because for most vehicles, the miles per gallon will drop off as you approach 60. (The difference between 40 and 50 mph for most cars will be 1 or 2 miles per gallon. The drop going from 50 to 60 mph might be 2 to 7 mpg, depending on the size.)
What are you likely to do everyday? I'll bet that you'll get on the freeway and do something not too much more than the limit, and think in the back of your mind that you might safe money if you slowed down. You'd be right. And if you have a chance to drive in the sweet spot, and choose to, you'll probably find yourself getting better mileage than most of the other nice folk on the road.
There you have it. No complicated math, just the real world guidelines.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Nicks Car Tips #12 - Driving and Talking
Today, I'd like to talk about how to make your driving simpler and safer. As you've probably noticed in the last few years of driving, there are two types of drivers these days - those who are talking on the cell phone while driving, and those who are dodging them.
It reminds me of a time, years ago, when I was learning to fly airplanes. My flight instructor said that there were 3 priorities when flying - avigate, navigate and communicate. In other words, make sure you're in control of your airplane, make sure you know where you are and where you're heading. And then you can talk about it. It's pretty much the same thing when it comes to driving our cars. It's a good idea to make sure you are in control of your car, and pointing it in the right direction, before taking on a phone call.
There are recent reports that driving while talking on the phone can actually result in worse driving than being drunk. (And I don't want to even think about a drunk driver on the phone!) http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/06/29/hscout533489.html
You may also be aware that we have a law going into effect soon, here in California, that is going to require everyone, who is not in an emergency, to have a hands-free way to use their phones while driving. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/press-release/3910/
Which all leads to the question - if I am going to use a phone, safely and hands-free while driving, what are my options? If you're considering a new car, all the current new Lexus models are available with Bluetooth technology. (There's today's shameless plug.) Bluetooth allows you to have a wireless relationship between your phone and your car, so you can use the car's speakers and microphone for a safer, hands-free phone conversation.
If you want Bluetooth now, without replacing the car just yet, your current cellular provider may have a hands-free kit available for your current phone. Or you may be able to get an upgrade on your phone that will allow you to take advantage of Bluetooth. I did this last year for both my wife and myself, and we are able to deal with the occasional necessary call much more safely.
Of course, the best option would be to pull over to a safe place before continuing your conversation.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #11 - When am I due for service?
Have you ever wondered, "Just when is my car due for service?" It's not hard to lose track, with all the other demands for our time and attention these days.
In theory, it shouldn't be complicated, because the recommendation for most recent Lexus models is to bring them in every 6 months, or 5000 miles. But, with most things in life, there are exceptions. What about those of us who drive very little - or very much. My recommendation, next time you do bring your car in for service, ask your service advisor, "Based on how many miles I'm driving, and what you're seeing as the condition of my car, when should I bring my car in for service next." He or she may recommend coming in sooner or later than the normal guideline based on your individual situation.
One other thing that can help make it easy, make sure that our service department has all your latest contact information, including cell phones, addresses, and email. We can contact you in any and all of these ways to provide you with service reminders, as well as special offers and discounts. Let us do the leg work for you on helping you schedule taking care of your car.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #10 - Oprah and the Lexus LS460
This tip was originally sent in 2007.
Today's tip comes courtesy of Mrs. Hart, because she keeps an eye on Oprah while I'm at the office. On yesterday's Oprah show, Oprah, with Lexus's Vice President of Sales, Jim Colon, experienced parking the new LS460 with the new Advanced Parking Guidance system, right there on her stage in front of a live studio audience.
Apparently, Oprah is not the most confident of drivers. She says that, other than passing trucks, going over bridges, bumpy roads, or driving at night, she's fine. Oh, and parallel parking is not her thing either. She was delighted when the car did the steering, while she had the security of controlling the brake herself.
You can see more about the segment at http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200702/20070201/slide_20070201_350_107.jhtml. And Mrs. Hart says that, if you visit the site, or request it enough, they might put the actual footage up as streaming video too.
If you would like to experience the new LS460 for yourself, I'm happy to help. You don't even need tickets to Oprah.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #9 - The New EPA numbers
This tip was originally sent out in 2007.
We just received the first glimpse of how the new EPA testing methods are going to affect the mileage estimates for our cars.
As we discussed in an earlier tip, the EPA mileage estimates are a great way to compare one car to another. But, as most people notice, they seem a bit removed from the way most of us drive. So the EPA has been adjusting the testing procedure to help make the EPA numbers more realistic.
We now have the results from one of the first cars to be tested with the new method. We actually are about to receive the first of the 2008 Lexus RX350s. (We've almost sold out of the 2007s that were produced, so here we are, already making a model year change. Pretty wild!) For reference, the 2007 RX350 had EPA ratings of 19 city and 24 highway for the All Wheel Drive model. The new 2008 has ratings that are 2 mpg less, or 17 city and 22 highway. There are corresponding changes for the two wheel drive model also.
Keep in mind, nothing has changed with the engine or transmission. The only thing that has changed is the way it's tested. Now the tests take into account a few more real world factors such as
So what does this mean for you? As we move forward, the EPA number will not only be a great way to compare cars to each other, but they will be a better way of approximating what you might expect from a car. Of course, no test can accurately reproduce your specific driving style, vehicle and road conditions. So we'll probably always see that classic disclaimer, "Your mileage may vary."
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Nicks Car Tips #8 - No Brakes!
I recently read that, some years ago, a couple of people drove across the country without using their brakes. The brakes were sealed, and it was proven that they were never touched. It must have taken some care and planning, and they must have really had a great feel for anticipating traffic and road conditions.
Imagine being able to plan every stop so just the vehicles inertia and rolling resistance brings you to a smooth stop. Picture having so much room behind the traffic that you don't have to slam on the brakes when you're surprised by someone. How much more efficiently would you use each gallon of gas if you weren't wasting it as heat in your brakes?
Of course, the reality is that, in today's traffic, people cut us off, lights change often, and it's really hard to avoid using our brakes completely. But try going a day or two remembering the ideal - no wasting your gas with your brakes. Make the gas you use take you as far as possible. And you just might find your dollars going farther, and you'll leave some of that traffic stress behind. Just remember to do what you have to if you really do need the brakes. Safety first, then great economy.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick